Overview
Nonoalco is a 106 MW gas power plant in Mexico City, operated by CFE. It supplies electricity to the capital region.
Nonoalco is a gas-fired power generation facility located in Mexico City, Mexico, with an installed capacity of 106 megawatts. Owned and operated by the state-owned utility Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE), the plant plays a role in supplying electricity to the densely populated Mexico City metropolitan area. As a gas power plant, it operates within Mexico's evolving energy sector, which has seen increased emphasis on natural gas as a cleaner alternative to oil and coal. The plant's 106 MW capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale range for gas power plants. While specific technical details such as turbine type or efficiency are not disclosed, gas plants in Mexico typically use combined cycle or simple cycle technology. The facility is subject to Mexican environmental regulations, including the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection (LGEEPA) and emissions standards set by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). These regulations govern air pollutant emissions such as NOx, SOx, and particulate matter. Located in a major urban center, Nonoalco's operations are significant for local grid stability and air quality. Gas power plants generally produce lower CO2 emissions per MWh compared to coal or oil plants, but still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The plant's proximity to millions of residents underscores the importance of stringent emission controls and monitoring. As part of CFE's generation fleet, Nonoalco supports Mexico's energy transition goals.
Environmental context
Nonoalco operates in a densely populated urban area, where air quality is a key concern. Gas-fired generation produces lower emissions of SOx and particulates compared to coal or oil, but NOx and CO2 emissions remain relevant. The plant's age and technology (likely simple cycle or combined cycle) influence its efficiency and environmental footprint. Mexican regulations require compliance with emission limits and periodic monitoring to mitigate local air quality impacts.
Frequently asked questions
The Nonoalco power plant is located in Mexico City, Mexico, at coordinates 19.4503 N, -99.1500 W.
Nonoalco is a gas power plant, meaning it uses natural gas as its primary fuel for electricity generation.
The Nonoalco power plant is owned and operated by Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE), Mexico's state-owned electric utility.
Gas power plants in Mexico must comply with the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection (LGEEPA) and emissions standards from SEMARNAT, which set limits on NOx, SOx, and other pollutants.
With a capacity of 106 MW, Nonoalco provides electricity to the Mexico City grid, supporting the capital's residential, commercial, and industrial demand.